"William W Johnstone - Ashes 33 - Enemy in the Ashes (txt)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Johnstone William W)

the U.N. sees that we have the means and the will to destroy the world's
oil supply, I think they will accede to our demands."

"And what will the United States get for our help?" Claire asked, a
thoughtful look on her face.
Atwa spread his hands, a wide-toothed grin on his face. "Why, you'd get
to be our partners in ruling the world, of course." He hesitated a
moment, and then he added, "And Ben Raines would have to come crawling
to you to get the oil his country needs to maintain their style of life."

The thought of Ben Raines having to beg her for anything persuaded
Claire. She'd hated him for as long as she could remember, and now was
her chance to get back at him for all he'd done to make her life miserable.

She stood up and stuck out her hand. "We'll do it!"

14 TWO

As Ben Raines ran, his breath came in short, gasping bursts and his
chest felt like a giant hand was squeezing it. Sweat poured from his
brow and ran down into his eyes. Finally, he stopped and bent over, his
hands on his knees as he glanced at his malamute dog, Jody, who'd been
running effortlessly at his side. She wasn't even breathing heavily, and
was looking back at him as if to say, "Come on, let's run some more."

"Jesus, Jody," he managed to gasp between breaths, "give your master a
break." They'd just jogged five miles, a trip he used to make without
even breaking a sweat. He looked at his watch. They'd averaged
six-minute miles, a feat most men would have been proud of. But not
General Ben Raines, leader of the Southern United States of America
Armed Forces.

He bent down, rubbed the back of Jody's neck, and ruffled her ears,
something she loved. "It's hell to get old, Jody old girl," he murmured
to her as she looked up at him with adoring eyes, her lips curled in a
smile of delight.

Maybe it's finally time to step down and give someone younger a chance,
he thought to himself. His adopted son Buddy had been champing at the
bit lately, wanting more responsibility. Perhaps now was the time to
give it to him,

15

Ben thought as he finally managed to slow his breathing down to normal
levels.

He glanced back down the road running along the periphery of his base,
and figured he had about another mile to go to get home. With a deep
sigh, he began to jog toward his quarters, hoping he wouldn't have a